An app is only as good as its backend#
Most mobile app problems users notice, such as slow screens, failed payments, missing notifications and wrong data, actually come from the backend. The prettiest Flutter screen can't fix an API that returns inconsistent data, a payment flow that trusts the device, or a notification system that silently drops messages.
That's why I build mobile apps together with their API. The data model, authentication, business rules and integrations are designed once and shared by the apps, the web admin and anything else that needs them. When a feature needs a change on both sides, one person makes it and tests it end to end.
Signs this approach fits you#
- You need iOS and Android apps and don't want to pay for two separate codebases.
- You have a web platform and your customers or staff now need it on their phones.
- Your app depends on real-time data: locations, statuses, assignments or messages.
- Payments happen in the app, and they need to be secure and reliable.
- You've been burned before by an app agency and a backend developer blaming each other.
What I build#
Cross-platform apps#
iOS and Android apps from one Flutter codebase, with platform-appropriate behaviour where it matters. Separate apps for different user types when their journeys differ, such as customers and drivers.
Laravel APIs#
Token authentication with Laravel Sanctum, validation, versioning and consistent errors, so the apps can evolve without breaking older versions still installed on users' phones.
Real-time features#
Live tracking, status updates, dispatch and in-app messaging, with background location handled carefully to respect battery life and platform rules.
Payments#
Stripe PaymentIntents with 3D Secure / SCA. Prices and totals are calculated and validated on the server, never trusted from the device.
Push notifications#
Firebase Cloud Messaging for iOS and Android, triggered by real events in the backend, with the right message to the right user at the right time.
Admin panels#
A web admin for your team to manage users, orders, assignments and operations, sharing the same backend as the apps.
Case study: ION DASH#
ION DASH turned a legacy delivery application into a modern logistics and fleet management platform for Fubile LLC in the US:
- separate Flutter customer and driver apps backed by a Laravel API;
- background GPS for real-time tracking;
- automated dispatch with 15-minute auto-assignment and atomic locking, so two drivers can't take the same job;
- Stripe PaymentIntents with 3D Secure / SCA, server-side pricing validation and on-site billing;
- proof of delivery, automatic completion and delivery escalation workflows;
- FCM HTTP v1 push notifications and automated vendor catalog pricing sync;
- Docker-based infrastructure, Laravel Sanctum security and regression test coverage.
Michael from Fubile summed up the engagement as "Committed to Quality Solution Oriented Clear Communicator".
Choosing Flutter or React Native#
Both frameworks produce good iOS and Android apps from one codebase. Flutter draws its own interface, which gives consistent screens across devices and strong performance; it's what I used for ION DASH. React Native uses native components and lets teams already working in React share knowledge and some code with a web app. The right choice depends on your team, your web stack and the features you need, and I'll explain the trade-off for your case before we start.
Designing for the real world#
Mobile apps run on unreliable networks, old devices and phones that go to sleep. I design for that: requests that retry sensibly, screens that handle slow or missing data gracefully, background tasks that respect battery and platform rules, and an API that stays compatible with older app versions users haven't updated yet. Critical actions such as payments and job assignments are confirmed by the server, so a dropped connection never leaves an order in an unknown state.
Common mobile app mistakes I help avoid#
- Business logic in the app. Prices, permissions and assignments decided on the phone can be tampered with and differ between app versions. They belong on the server.
- Breaking old app versions. Users don't update immediately; an API change that ignores older versions breaks their app overnight.
- Background work that drains the battery, leading to bad reviews and uninstalls.
- No crash reporting, so problems surface through one-star reviews instead of alerts.
- Treating notifications as spam. Push messages should be triggered by events users care about, or they'll be switched off.
What you get#
- iOS and Android apps from one codebase, published under your developer accounts;
- the Laravel API and web admin, in your repository;
- API documentation, so other developers can build on it later;
- crash and error monitoring, and a release process for updates.
Release and maintenance#
Getting an app into the stores is its own project: signing, store listings, privacy declarations and review requirements for both Apple and Google. I handle builds and submissions, set up a release process for updates, and monitor crashes and errors after launch. Mobile platforms change every year, so ongoing maintenance on a retainer keeps the apps compatible with new iOS and Android versions.
Related services#
Mobile apps depend on solid API development and a well-built Laravel backend. For delivery, booking and marketplace apps, see also event & booking platforms and e-commerce integrations.
Working together#
We start with a free 30-minute call about your users and the journeys the apps must support. You get a written scope covering the apps, the API and the admin panel, with milestones and an estimate. During the build you'll receive test builds on your own devices, so feedback comes early.
Planning an app? Book a free call and we'll scope the apps and backend together.